I'm all in for McCain

Unless there is a historic upset, John McCain won't be president-elect of the U.S. on Nov. 5. Nevertheless, I'll reprint my column from the Oct. 17 issue of The Packer explaining my unalterable predisposition to vote for McCain:


In the shocking but true department, I will vote for Sen. John McCain in the presidential election. You may ask, what's up, liberal media guy?
For me -- a longtime Republican despite my populist career -- the case for McCain admittedly starts with his party affiliation.
We have come to expect certain things from our political parties. For Republicans, the essential elements are fiscal conservatism, lower taxes and right-leaning social positions. In the minds of the GOP faithful, Democrats are tattooed with the ink of big government, liberalism, higher taxes and intrusive regulation. It perfectly fits the cliche to believe Democrats are in the business of redistributing wealth, including the likes of you, me and Joe the plumber. The fact that some of us in the GOP could use a little wealth redistributed our way doesn't get in the way of our resistance to the idea.
That these simplistic labels and notions aren't defined by bright lines anymore -- and perhaps never were -- doesn't negate their influence in our behavior, motivations and perspective.
In fact, of course, it was the Bush administration that proposed at $700 billion rescue of Wall Street firms, and now we hear reports that the federal government is poised to take ownership positions in some banks.
Although Sen. Barack Obama seems to be in prime position to win the election by convincing enough people he is all about hope and change, I'm not sure his promises are backed up by his record. Perhaps this reflects my well-ingrained, talk radio-fueled Republican skepticism, but I don't believe Obama has enough leadership experience and tough fights in his resume to face down the type of challenges that await him. The list of trials around the corner reads like a blast from Herbert Hoover's past: a potentially severe economic recession, massive federal budget deficits, toxic partisanship and international challenges to America's world leadership position.
Though Obama "sounds presidential" and is admittedly eloquent, I don't know if he has the leadership qualities to push through any of his initiatives. Does he really believe in what he says? How will he respond under fire? Who is Barack Obama?
I have no doubt that in many respects Sen. Obama would bring in able advisers who would help him navigate the public policy issues our nation faces.
If he is elected, I would expect Obama's team to be more favorably disposed toward the expansion of nutrition programs.
Obama would probably address the issue of needed reform and regulation of food safety in a more direct and effective way than would McCain.
Conversely, I think John McCain will move more quickly for energy exploration and free trade agreements. Both may try to advance the issue of immigration, but how effective either would be is open for debate.
Economic considerations
I think the potentially severe economic recession our country faces may supersede all other considerations. As deficits mount and budgets are squeezed, it will be difficult for the industry to hold on to the mandatory funding gains won in the 2008 farm bill.
Given the volatility and shocks the economy has faced since late September, the industry may once again find that support for specialty crops will recede with the onslaught of red ink. The industry survived for so many years with little government support to speak of, and -- notwithstanding the gains in the 2008 farm bill -- more of the same may be in its future. Or perhaps I should say "less of the same."
I wouldn't doubt nearly as much about Obama's capacity for leading the country if the economy was humming along on autopilot with huge budget surpluses. I'm not so sure what beneficial change he can bring now, though. Given the economic backdrop, I don't believe that Obama can deliver on his promise to cut taxes for 95% of Americans.
McCain's experience
On the other hand, I have no doubt that McCain will use the veto pen with relish in regard to government spending, including the much-maligned "earmarks." I believe McCain when he says he will move to freeze government spending.
McCain's military service to our country goes to his credit, and all the more because my father was also a pilot in Vietnam. McCain's experience as a prisoner of war allows him to consider the consequences of putting our nation's best in harm's way.
In comments to United Fresh Produce Association, McCain's campaign noted that he will work to provide a "sustainable, market-driven risk management system for growers and ranchers" and reduce trade barriers.
McCain has also promised to preserve property rights and provide a more generous tax break for growers passing down their farms to the next generation.
While he has risked the support of Midwest corn growers by advocating a pull back on subsidies of ethanol, that political risky position convinces me that McCain will lead by conviction.
Not that I needed much convincing.